Former CIA Director David Petraeus knew “almost immediately” after the attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi it was the work of Ansar Al-Sharia, a loosely-formed group that has some members sympathetic to Al Qaeda, according to a source who has spoken to him and is directly familiar with his analysis of the situation.

According to this source, Petraeus says the stream of intelligence from multiple sources, including video at the scene, indicated the group was behind the attack. But a separate stream of intelligence also emerged indicating ongoing riots in Cairo over an anti-Islamic film might have motivated the attacks.

The source says there were some 20 different intelligence reports indicating the Cairo film might be responsible. The CIA eventually disapproved all those reports, but not until after Petraeus’ initial briefings to Congress in which he discussed all possibilities, the source said. “All those other reports got disproved over time,” the source says Petraeus told him.
Petraeus also believes confusion has emerged over two separate intelligence questions. First, who was responsible, and second what was the motivation of the attackers.

Petraeus’ aim in testifying, the source said, is in part to clear up “a lot of misrepresentations of what he told Congress initially. He wants to clear it up.” Petraeus is expected to tell Congress he had no direct involvement in the talking points UN ambassador Susan Rice used in the days after the attack. Petraeus developed unclassified talking points that were approved by the intelligence community the source says. Rice’s talking points may have used some of that information but were separate from what Petraeus provided.

soundoff(109 Responses)

Hahahahahahahahhaha

The general's testimony: Well Miss Fienstien, first I massaged Paula's shoulders while slowly kissing her ear lobes. She let out a big sigh and pressed her round bottom against my hard gun. Then I knew she wanted more. I moved my hands over her shoulders to slowly unbutton her blouse to reveal her firm round breasts..........................Miss Fienstien....you look flush............Should we continue after a short break? Hahahahahahahahaha

McCain is very busy now speaking on the floor of the senate lambasting our UN ambassabor and the administration.
How many "speeches" did McCain deliver in the senate after Colin Powell resigned? Remember, Powell (a very distinguished military man) was sent by Bush to address the UN. What Bush told Powell to say later proved to be all lies! Powell resigned in disgust! No McCain speeches then! WMD's in Iraq where believed to exist with NO proof whatsoever.
Then we should ask the question "Why was Stevens in Benghazi?" Obviously he felt insecure and threatened. When additional security was denied, he chose to stay and not return to the safety of our embassy in Tripoli! "The film" was causing trouble in many places and the 9/11 anniversary was approaching. Stevens should have left Benghazi, but didn't. Why?

all Ive gleaned from this discussion is that red balls has something stuck in his eye...(wink) do you relize how rediculous that is...(wink) not to mention annoying...you are telling a JOKE NO ONE GETS...(WINK)

Bonsoir Street Smart - Yes, sometimes if you want the job done right then you feel the need to do it yourself - nothing like only ONE bad finger (no batteries required) - Secluded beaches on hot moon-lit summer nights can be pleasurable with the right company and some wine. Real Frenchmen initally enjoy viewing the art of self-indulgent women - until we learn how to do it ourselves. Perhaps wine helps make street smart women better teachers, and their Frenchmen better students - je vous veux ouvert, et tres mouille pour moi, ce soir - au revoir cheri, Lance D. (wink)

CNN MANAGEMENT: GUT CHECK reads like a CNN-introspection - "Why didn't we see it before?" No one is perfect -not even CNN - we are all in a perpetual process of "becoming." I have learned a great deal from you during the past few months also. The more we are willing to look, the more we are willing to see. Obama did make a ton of pre-election extra expenditures (in the name of strengthening the middle class). On the surface it sounded Devine. He put himself in devious position to feel the pressure of pursuing upper-income tax hikes at the (no doubt well-realized) expense of small business. The only plausible explanation? To get re-elected. This, as you know better realize, is just one example - sorry. Thank you for waking up now. Take care and bless all of us - we need it more than ever.

Sad how easy people forget about Great People and throw them under the Bus first chance. This administration has proven time and again how they cover everything up and to hold off until the election was over is so predictable. As for Rice who cares who does the job, thats why Obama got back in because most h=just gave up on this country.

The revelation that this was a terrorist attack doesn't prove that it was unrelated to the film. So they were terrorists. Is it really that far fetched to think that the film might have been partly responsible for motivating them to attack? Maybe the administration shouldn't have speculated before all the facts were in, but that doesn't change the FACT that the president immediately characterized it as an "act of terror". The one thing we know for sure is that the same congressional Republicans complaining about a lack of embassy security voted against funding it.

I think you all need to be HAPPY about what this is, a guy that is going to go out with a shot at redemption. Comrade Zero threw him under the bus BIG TIME so as to hide this scandal, and I think Petraeus is now thinking. "If I'm going down, you are coming with me." Good on ya sir, military hero to the end!

Petraeus will try to bring some reason to his republicans friends. There were two threads of intelligence, one that was related to the film and one that was a terrorist group. They had to investigate these two threads of intelligence and couldn't say for certain what happened in Benghazi. It seems the adminstration has to be able to read minds so the republicans can be satisfied. They are looking for anything to make the President look bad.

We will know tomorrow won't we, but tonight I can speculate. The same speculation I had as soon as I heard of the resignation. Petraeus was blackmailed with the affair into saying what they wanted him to say in the days right after. But more than anything he's a military man and he just can't live with covering those deaths. He sat down with his wife and family, told them the truth about the affair and decided to resign and tell all.

I think this man is invaluable to our Military,I don't think he should resign because of personal matters.. he has knowledge we need.. I implore upon him to retract his resignation and stay with us. I would hope the President would allow him to stay.. STAY STAY STAY!!!! DON"T GO!!!!

Nice revelation, confusion arise out of 20 or such reports from different parts, BUT THEY ARE WATCHING DIRECTLY IN BENGHAZI IN REAL TIME THERE IS NO DEMONSTRATION, HOW COME THEY THINK AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE STUPID. Its easy to make people stupid so as the election result. But there is almighty is there whoever involved in the blood of these 4 innocent people will get their punishment from god no matter what.

Bonsoir Street Smart - You know better than the others in your world how I spend my liesure time. Yes, 14 but really 15 with you as #1 - you always take priority, so no need to feel jealous 🙂 Ibiza Heat #14 + #30? Je T'aime Moi Non Plus, and then Push in the Bush? Do you know what Serge Gainsbourg is saying? "I go in and then out... " You always do what I like babe - I am glad to have positive influence on you... in more ways than you dare share with too many others. Feel me with you tonight, unzipping the black dress. Taking my time - smelling then tasting you all night long. Au revoir cheri, Lance D.

Clear this one up for us: Just how many stinger missiles did your "ambassador" (cia operative) get into the hands of our enemies al-qaeda and the mu slim brother ho od on orders from the Oval Office? We're prepared to wait for your answer until he11 freezes over. Follow-up question: How is this not treason? We're waiting.

So, the man made a mistake, god knows no one is perfect- BUT he has served his country for 37 years tirelessly- this does not take this away. So, he got broadsided by some ambitious woman with an agenda- Big deal, have some respect for him and his family!
On the other hand, Barbara Starr's comment about "we pay these Generals a lot of money" yesterday is somewhat disturbing- what do you think we pay them for, Ms. Starr?? You went to war zones where all the assets were used to protect you and make sure you are not living as the troops did, so please, don't kill us with your expertise.
I was on a few trips with you in Iraq where you demand to be treated like a DIVA or else. I even corrected your false story about the trip with Fallon to Falluja, where you claimed you were Jessica Lynch?? I think I still have some video of the temper tantrum you threw that day at the JVB, all three hundred pounds. I would not be talking if I were in your shoes about what we pay Generals who save lives (as you don't pay them,) but talk about reporters who destroy them!

You lead by example and adhere to the U.C.M.J. first and foremost! He should be stripped of his rank, retirement and be shunned for his actions. Many, many of our troops at this very moment are separated from their loved ones, facing danger and ready to give their lives in defense of this country. While this joke of a leader lives a very pampered life by military standards, Great food, Warm bed (W/Mistress), D.C. parties and a huge pay check. And even with all that he still shamed himself. Pathetic!

Just because someone doesn't agree with you is no reason to say they are "unamerican" or not a "real" American. Childishness like that almost makes me ashamed to have served to protect everyone's right to to their own beliefs. THAT is really what makes this country great, not ranting from a close-minded idiot.

...and anyone who disagrees with a liberal is labeled a moron, an idiot and a retard.

November 15, 2012 at 11:40 pm |

Melvin Painter

So it is true again, clown obama opened his trap without knowing all the fact. But then again, HE did know all the facts when he blamed it on a video. What the heck was his motive, and why did he NOT help those in need. He is doing to those affected by Sandy that he did to those in Benghazi, NOTHING!

George Bush and Condi Rice missed the whole damn WMD! And they're no biggie.... and many of our soldiers killed overseas by terrorists... no biggie.... they returned without help... no biggie... and now, four Americans were attacked... and Obama wasn't sure what was going on... you now label him a clown? You're the real clown.... you GOP are the clown. Yes! Didn't bother to vote for your true value and stand by your old value. Clowns!

Great comment! I would like to add:
McCain is very busy now speaking on the floor of the senate lambasting our UN ambassabor and the administration.
How many "speeches" did McCain deliver in the senate after Colin Powell resigned? Remember, Powell (a very distinguished military man) was sent by Bush to address the UN. What Bush told Powell to say later proved to be all lies! Powell resigned in disgust! No McCain speeches then! WMD's in Iraq where believed to exist with NO proof whatsoever.
Then we should ask the question "Why was Stevens in Benghazi?" Obviously he felt insecure and threatened. When additional security was denied, he chose to stay and not return to the safety of our embassy in Tripoli! "The film" was causing trouble in many places and the 9/11 anniversary was approaching. Stevens should have left Benghazi, but didn't. Why?

November 16, 2012 at 7:07 am |

massms

He didn't do anything about Libya because he was too busy campaigning and being entertained by Hollywood's trashy "celebrities". His only interest in the victims of Sandy is the photo op they provide, the chance to tell them how much their benevolent king is going to do for them.

By "real americans" , are you referring to blacks, Hispanics, and social program frauds and abusers? The vast majority who are those in prisons, gangs, failing schools, maternity wards, on drugs, drunk, illegal, and looking for more handouts.

November 15, 2012 at 7:53 pm |

dan

"real Americans", that's the scary thing.

November 15, 2012 at 7:55 pm |

ARealAmerican

You know you have found an uniformed liberal when they revert to name calling. PA did with the under handed real americans comment. Mr. O did when he called half the country tea baggers.

Republicans have a right to note that Mr. O was ushered across the line by news coverage which did not look at this. This week, with nothing on the line his story changed again. weird.

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